THREE RIVERS REPORT Wednesday, y, March 21,, 2012
Proudly y Serving g Hazelton,, New Hazelton,, South Hazelton,, Gitsegukla, g , Kispiox, p , Kitwanga g and Glen Vowell
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Poverty conference set for Hazelton Shannon Hurst Hazelton/Interior News
Hazelton Secondary School teacher Barb Janzee announced they will be hosting a “Gathering of Nations” Poverty and Racism in the North special conference in April this year. “We are very pleased to announce we are hosting a Northwest Region Education Conference entitled, A Gathering of Nations: Poverty and Racism,” she said. The conference is scheduled for April 27 − 28 at Hazelton Secondary. “Our special keynote speaker and workshop leader is Dr. Martin Brokenleg and we have a number of excellent workshops for anyone and everyone involved in education,” Janzee added. “We want this to be an inclusive event where not only educators, but parents, students, family, community, and anyone involved in education from Haida Gwaii
to Prince George and will feel welcome to participate, network, and learn.” Keynote speaker, Dr. Brokenleg is well known for his work and is an avid spokesperson for people living in the North and First Nations culture. “Many young persons have broken circles and are disconnected from their families, schools and communities,” he said. “We must form new tribes for all our children so there will be no psychological orphans.” In addition to the speakers, there will be cultural tours, Gidahmes Dancers and a variety of workshops. Registration is $100 for administrators, $75 for educators and community members and $25 for parents and students. For registration forms or to get involved call Jody Tetreau or Barb Janze for details at 250-842-5214 or email jody. tetreau@cmsd.bc.ca or barbara.janze@ cmsd.bc.ca.
Shannon Hurst/Interior News
PRECIOUS MOMENT After sharing their journey and struggles with all those in attendance at last week’s Watato Choir performance the children were drawn to six-week-old baby Olivia Zazula and all took turns holding and fussing over her.
Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs 1650 Omenica St., Hazelton, V0J 1Y0 Ph: 250-842-6780 Fx: 250-842-6709
March 13, 2012
The legacy continues Women have long been important leaders in our society. I recall Mary Johnson sitting me down after I became Hereditary Chief in 1982 and saying, ‘’You are our son and I want to make sure you hear me as I’m speaking out of the grave.” She also said, “When you are born, you are born into a fight, but not just anybody can lead that fight.” So I drove her and dad to meetings they called liseewa yip. I sat in their meetings when they debated what the 1977 Declaration would say to Minister of Indian Affairs Hugh Faulkner when they met that November. Mary Mckenzie was equally knowledgeable. After debating what remedies they wanted, the two Mary’s were principal hitters in the now famous Delgamuukxw case. They drove home who
other women Chiefs who sit with guy Chiefs to make decisions. Certain work starts with the annual planning in Prince George, if funds allow it. The following year, the facilitator analyzes how far we have gone in various areas. The foot soldiers are the chosen Board members, the negotiators and the staff that the executive director oversees. Bev’s mother and Joan Ryan, carry on the fight at the Treaty table. She knows Gitxsan aspirations from way the plaintiffs were. Those who followed back when and employs that knowledge in their testimonies them put meat on the her work. bones from their own house perspective. When you think about it, much of our Many other young women joined that battle: lives have been dedicated to the cause. But Ardith Wilson, Barb Huson, Fern Weget, now that we are finally out Myrtle Muldoe, Bonny Mowatt, Kathy of the pig pen Mary talked Holland, and Vicky Russell to name a few. about, what are we doing? We have everything they wanted and what are we doing? That legacy continues today. Sadie Harris I welcome your comments on chairs meetings with others such as Sadie this or any other article. Mowatt, Alice Jeffery, Rena Bensen and Art Wilson
Any questions? Call the above or awilson@gitxsan.com